Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim urges caution after first-leg win

Ruben Amorim has issued a word of caution to his players after their win over Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

While the hosts were favoured to prevail on the night it was Manchester United who didn’t just take a lead back to Old Trafford, but a three-goal lead that leaves the Red Devils in a hugely commanding position, now 1/150 to qualify.

The visitors ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in the end and it would take a monumental collapse not to reach the Europa League final.

Nevertheless, Amorim is keen to ensure his players don’t get complacent, pointing to the opening stages of the contest when Athletic looked the more likely to open the scoring.

“They have to think about the second leg,” said Amorim in his post-match press conference. “And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game because the game is going to be really tough. There is no [away goals] so anything can change and that is my message to the players.”

Amorim was also quick to play down suggestions it was United’s best performance since he took charge.

“I think it’s the best result because nobody expects this result, but I think you saw two games today: the first 25 minutes and then after the goal and also with the sending off the game changed.  

“I don’t look just to good results. We had some games that we won that we didn’t play well and some games that we lost but we played well and sometimes you just need a little bit of luck.

“If you imagine the first 30 minutes, they have chances to score. If they score, it’s a different game.”

Athletic were much the better side early on, and had Inaki Williams converted his close-range header, the game may well have been different. It took United 30 minutes just to register their first shot of the game as Casemiro headed in at the far post.

Seven minutes later, Rasmus Hojlund was brought down by Dani Vivian, and only a lengthy intervention from the VAR saw the penalty awarded and a red card issued.

Bruno Fernandes converted from 12 yards to give Amorim’s side a comfortable lead before going through on goal to add a third shortly before the break.

From there, United controlled the tie professionally, not allowing another Athletic shot until stoppage time, giving them a healthy cushion for the second leg, where they’re expected to cruise into the Europa League final.

Liam Williams

• Manchester United F.C.
• Europa League
• European Football
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